• It’s easy to get distracted with all of the activity happening, but stay on top of your burgers and brats. If you burn up the meats, you might as well throw a wad of cash on the grill, too.

• You don’t have to buy new July 4 outfits for your kids. Instead, dress them in red or blue and add a patriotic accessory. We found these (all for less than $10) at Hobby Lobby.

• For quick and inexpensive decorations, get some small American flags. We found four-packs at Hobby Lobby on sale through July 4 for $1.39. Stick them in the ground or in flowerpots. Click here for July 4 decorating ideas. Or stick with red, white and blue streamers or balloons that you can find at Dollar General for a buck each.

• Fireworks are expensive. If you live outside city limits, talk to your neighbors about having a neighborhood firework display where everyone chips in.